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New information released by the Obama administration details how much some some of the health insurance plans offered through the new online exchanges will cost. The report reveals a range of plans offered at different prices in 36 states where the federal government will run the online exchanges.

Updated at 4:47 AM EDT on Monday, Mar 31, 2014

New information released by the Obama administration details how much some some of the health insurance plans offered through the new online exchanges will cost. The report reveals a range of plans offered at different prices in 36 states where the federal government will run the online exchanges.

A cheap health insurance plan could cost $11 a month for a family of four in Indianapolis on the federal government's new health exchanges created under the Affordable Care Act. For a family in New Orleans, a similar plan could cost $23 a month, but would have to pay $282 more for the better "silver" plan, the Department of Health and Human Services estimates.

On average, consumers will have over 50 plans to choose from if they live in states where the federal government will run the exchanges.

The premiums charged by insurers will be based on where people live and what kind of coverage they ultimately choose. The least expensive plans like the Bronze plan will cover less and patients will have to pay more out of pocket every time they see a doctor, visit a hospital or fill a prescription. Gold and platinum plans will cost more monthly, but will cover much more of the price of a service.

All the plans offered on the exchanges have to meet minimum requirements imposed by the federal government. Insurers will also no longer drop patients who cost too much or charge women more than men, and they must cover anyone who can pay for the coverage.

The Obama administration provided details Tuesday of health insurance costs in 36 states under the Affordable Care Act, where the federal government will run new insurance markets starting Oct. 1.

For a benchmark plan – the second-lowest costing "silver plan" covering 70 percent of projected medical costs – the average premium will be $328 month for individuals, the administration said in the new report.

But the data provided did not identify the insurance companies offering policies in the new exchanges nor did it provide information for policies that will cost more than the amounts highlighted in the report.

In the 36 states where the federal government has primary control over the exchanges, consumers will be able to choose from 53 health plans. And in most states, two or more insurance companies will offer health plans.

Published at 9:02 AM EDT on Sep 25, 2013

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